Partnering with VFC Wealth Management
“Do you have enough money to meet your aspirations now and in the future? We can help.”
6 Step Process
All financial plans evolve as circumstances change so we migrate with our clients through their key life stages of wealth (i) Accumulation ; (ii) Growth ; (iii) Lifestyle ; (iv) Management ; (v) Protection ; (vi) Succession.
Becoming a client of VFC WM means Rob can help guide you and your family through every step of this spectrum in an ongoing manner as highlighted in the circular diagram opposite. No two situations are the same meaning every client’s affairs will be structured and managed in the most suitable manner for them. Empathy is one of our core company Values.
By following the continuous 6 step circular process shown here, we ensure our tailored advice is based upon the best possible understanding of your individual circumstances and priorities. We commit to providing you with the necessary support to achieve what matters to you the most.
1. Initial / ongoing consultation & discovery
- Our number one priority at this stage is to listen and fully understand you, your family and your long-term financial priorities.
- We set the tone for all relationships with transparent interactions from the outset so that we can start getting to know one another, building rapport and trust – there is no obligation associated with these early meetings, either physical or virtual, but we will need you to be prepared to share the necessary information to enable an open dialogue.
- The quality of our advice contained in any follow up report can only be as good as the information we learn from you in this fact find.
2. Deepen understanding, assess risk profile & confirm assumptions
- It is unlikely that we will cover absolutely everything in our first engagements, so further detailed discussions around risk appetite are usually required, covering all areas of potential financial need.
- This includes a protection review to ensure that your family are looked after and not exposed to any financial hardship in the event of a serious illness or death.
- Investment planning and risk is a key consideration of course: understanding the balance between asset class risk versus reward and the right level of risk for any given objectives / scenarios according to everyone’s own unique financial personalities.
- Clients should be prepared to be challenged if we believe you are taking too little or too much risk to meet your objectives.
3. Present cashflow models, proposals, & overall plan
- This is usually the critical decision point when clients opt whether to partner with VFC Wealth Management, typically utilising the output of advanced cash flow modelling software that visually demonstrates the future paths available to you based upon pre-agreed assumptions on taxation, inflation and asset growth.
- Your current situation is the starting point, from which we can optimise a personalised plan via any carefully considered wealth restructuring. This modelling forms the backbone of every ongoing financial review, whilst also informing any relevant estate planning matters worth considering.
- The follow up report we present will clearly outline any areas that need addressing, our recommendations for the best solutions to meet your needs, how these steps will assist in achieving your goals and the costs associated with working alongside VFC Wealth Management to implement what is agreed.
4. Agree & implement optimal solutions
- The suitability of all our advice will be backed by the St. James's Place advice guarantee.
- Fees are fully disclosed and only paid by you at the point at which you decide to implement our agreed recommendations.
- Once we have analysed and discussed the report and recommendations in detail, any agreed solutions will be implemented for you by VFC Wealth Management.
- You will receive regular updates from the team during the implementation phase to ensure you are fully informed at all times and kept aware of what stage in the process we have reached.
5. Ongoing advice & management
- Clients of VFC Wealth Management can expect to receive regular help to ensure use of annual tax allowances is maximised.
- We will keep you up to date with legislation changes / Budget announcements, and provide regular in-house content and opinion covering topical financial news, as well as exclusive interviews with experts and fund managers.
- In short, we help you take ownership of your financial affairs, confident in the knowledge that you are being well advised, kept informed and collectively working towards common goals as determined by the financial plan we agree and adapt together.
6. Regular reviews & long-term relationship
- We meet as regularly as you desire and at least annually to update our understanding, review the agreed plans, ensure they are on track or decide if any changes are needed.
- This will include a full review your financial goals and, if applicable, rebalancing of your investment portfolio(s) and fund choices.
- We also review your investment risk appetite as circumstances and priorities evolve, ensuring portfolios continue to meet your requirements.
- Each review deepens and strengthens our working relationship, and we always encourage every client to get in touch at any time between the periodic reviews if we can provide any additional advice or assistance.
- In addition, you will receive invitations you to client networking and social events hosted throughout the year and can benefit from the extended St. James's Place network of clients and intermediaries.
The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.